Ryan Speech Touts Budget

Governor Unveils $46 Billion Plan During State Of The State Address

SPRINGFIELD — A day after a federal corruption investigation reached his inner circle, a beleaguered Gov. George Ryan Wednesday unveiled a $46.5 billion budget plan to the legislature that attempted to turn attention away from his troubles and toward the business of state government.

Shortly after his combined budget and State of the State addresses began, Ryan sought to assure a joint session of the House and Senate that the federal probe would not affect his ability to lead.

"Today I stand before you, my partners in government, the people who know me best, to convey to you that my focus remains clear and my enthusiasm remains strong," Ryan said. "And I'm not going to let anything get in the way of me being the best governor I can be for the people of Illinois."

The vow came just a day after the indictment of Dean Bauer --the governor's close friend and the inspector general during Ryan's tenure as secretary of state--on a series of charges that he covered up corruption in order to save Ryan from personal and political embarrassment.

It was the closest the investigation has veered toward Ryan. Besides the Bauer indictment, the probe has led to 28 other indictments and 17 convictions.

In asking lawmakers to approve a record budget, Ryan proposed investing heavily in high technology so "no one will be left behind" and setting aside a majority of new revenue for education and job training.

He called on lawmakers to set aside money from the state's share of a settlement with the tobacco industry for health and research programs for a "rainy day" fund. "It's a plan to invest in Illinois' future," Ryan said.

He also formally told lawmakers of an already announced plan to order a temporary halt to executions. Ryan noted that 13 people on Death Row have been cleared since the death penalty was reinstated in 1977 and he wanted to make sure no innocent person was put to death. "Clearly something is wrong," Ryan said, adding he could not allow a "flawed system to stand unchallenged."

And in fulfilling a pledge to renew his gun control fight, Ryan called on the legislature to find a "fair compromise" as he pushes to make the charge of unlawful use of weapons a felony. In December, Ryan lost a major legislative showdown with Senate President James "Pate" Philip (R-Wood Dale), who wants the crime classified as only a misdemeanor for first-time offenders.